Virgin Media Business Builds Mobile Backhaul Network

Transmode, a supplier of packet-optical networking solutions, has signed an eight-year contract with Virgin Media Business for Ethernet-based mobile backhaul service delivery networks across the U.K.

The deployment of Transmode’s optical networking systems will begin later this year with an initial deployment connecting 14 regional aggregation networks that will connect a significant number of base stations with fiber-based synchronous Gigabit Ethernet services. The deployment will enable Virgin Media Business to offer Sync-E enabled mobile backhaul services to mobile operators all over the UK.

“Working with Transmode we’re looking to transform backhaul networks by delivering a unique service that deploys fiber-based Ethernet services to cell sites. We’re best placed to deliver the speed and capacity that mobile companies need,” said Mark Heraghty, managing director/Virgin Media Business, in a statement.

The dedicated networks will support mobile backhaul services to UK mobile operators and will rely on Transmode’s Native Packet Optical architecture, including the recently-launched Layer 2 Ethernet Muxponder family. Ethernet services will be provided from the mobile operators’ core node locations right through to the operator’s cell sites.